By Mawa Kumaliopa

For decades, Malawi has continued to observe Kamuzu Day in honour of former President Hastings Kamuzu Banda. While some remember him as the founding leader who brought independence and infrastructure development, many citizens believe the country can no longer continue glorifying a regime associated with fear, oppression, and human rights abuses.

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Kamuzu Day has increasingly become a painful reminder of dictatorship rather than a celebration of national unity.

During Kamuzu Banda’s one-party rule, Malawians lived under strict control. Citizens could not freely criticize government. Journalists were silenced. Political opponents disappeared, were imprisoned, or forced into exile. Fear ruled the nation. Families still carry memories of torture, intimidation, and political persecution committed during that era.Malawi Defies Global Fuel Crisis as Government Reduces Petrol Prices to Protect Citizens

Younger generations are now asking an important question: Why should democratic Malawi continue dedicating a national holiday to a leader whose government denied citizens freedom?

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Across Africa and the world, countries are moving away from honouring leaders linked to authoritarian rule. Malawi cannot continue preaching democracy while preserving holidays that symbolically celebrate oppression. National holidays should unite citizens around values of freedom, justice, progress, and equality — not fear and dictatorship.

Supporters of Kamuzu Banda often point to roads, schools, discipline, and economic order during his rule. But development alone cannot erase the suffering many endured. A nation must be honest with its history. Infrastructure should never outweigh human dignity and freedom.

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Many citizens believe the day should either be removed entirely or transformed into a broader national reflection day that teaches both the achievements and failures of Malawi’s past leadership. Malawi belongs to all its people — not to one political legacy.

The country has moved into a democratic era where freedom of speech, multiparty politics, and constitutional rights are fundamental. Continuing to glorify authoritarian leadership sends the wrong message to future generations.

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Malawi must choose carefully what it honours.

A nation that truly values democracy should not celebrate dictatorship.